ESPN per team Source: Manning to be released on Wednesday March 7, 2012

Even Peyton Manning is not immune to being released. After 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, including 2 Super Bowl appearances (including one win), the Colts are cutting the man that was the most successful for the franchise since Johnny Unitas. Everyone knows what the Colts were like without Manning last year; Manning had to sit out last year after having multiple neck procedures before last season. Then there was the drama in February about Manning and Colts owner Jim Irsay about whether or not Manning would be a Colt next year. Even though it is quite an expected move, it is still a move that shakes the bedrock of the NFL and likely saddens Colt fans.

(After 14 Seasons, Peyton Manning will no longer be an Indianapolis Colt. Picture Source: http://smokingsection.uproxx.com/)

There are still some unanswered questions to be answered. Should the Colts have made this move? Where will Peyton play? And last but definently least, what does Peyton have left?

1.Should the Colts have made this move? One could compare this move to Brett Favre leaving the Packers and/or Donovan McNabb leaving Philadelphia. But what has to be remembered in both scenarios, there was already a backup Quarterback being groomed into a starter. In Indianapolis, the Colts learned last year that they did not have their backup, so they will likely give the keys to their offense over to Andrew Luck (if they dont be the shock of the draft and take Robert Griffin III). Two things have to happen in order for this to be a smart move. 1. The Colts need to have a productive offense with Andrew Luck or whoever else they take at QB (who will likely be playing without Reggie Wayne). 2.Peyton Manning will either have to not play next year, or be unproductive wherever he plays. If Luck, or whoever, is productive, it won't matter what happens with Manning.

2.Where will Peyton Play? There have been reports across the board about where Peyton will play. Miami has a billboard for him, Arizona has Fitzgerald, Rex Ryan has flirted with the notion in New York, and Washington recently keep needing a QB. Even Denver, home of Tebowmania, have been rumored, but they have also been rumored with RGIII too. So the question is, where will #18 lend his services. There are not many teams that are a QB away from a Super Bowl ring. But by process of elimination, my personal opinion is Miami. Reason being is the Cardinals just paid a ton of money in free agency last year to Kevin Kolb, and if he stays healthy he will be solid for them in 2012. The Jets are run-first, and will likely give Sanchez one more year to step up and show he can be the quarterback of the future for them. The Redskins are the only team that could take him besides the Dolphins. Mike Shanahan is likely on the hot seat this year and would like to do what he can to keep his job. Shanahan has been looking for his next John Elway since 1999, and he could inherit Peyton Manning, just as he did John Elway in Denver in the 90s. The reason Miami makes the most since is because they just hired former Packers Offensive Coordinator Joe Philbin. They also have big receiver Brandon Marshall, who could be Manning's new Reggie Wayne, and Reggie Bush who could be an upgrade from Joseph Addai. The rest of the pieces will fall into place because Peyton Manning makes any #3 or #4 receiver into a #2 receiver, hence Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon. Not to mention, how about Manning vs. Brady twice a year?

3.What Does Peyton Manning have left? This is the only question I don't have an answer for. Not questioning Peyton's work ethic but: Peyton has been out of football for over a year, he didn't practice at all with the Colts last year, and he will have to learn a new system wherever he goes. He also had a solid offensive line in Indianapolis, and if Jeff Saturday doesn't follow Manning like he says he will, then he could have a new Center to take snaps from. But if Peyton Manning is healthy, give him a full offseason and training camp to learn the new things, then perhaps he can handle it.

There you have it. Now it is your turn to share your thoughts about Peyton Manning and his leaving the Colts.